A cell pellet is a concentrated collection of cells that has been collected together, typically through the process of centrifugation. In the lab, scientists often need to separate cells from their growth medium or other substances, such as blood or bodily fluids. This is frequently done using a centrifuge.
Here’s a general outline of the process:
- The cell suspension (cells mixed with liquid) is placed in a centrifuge tube.
- The tube is then placed in a centrifuge and spun at high speed. The force generated by this spinning causes denser components to move outward.
- Cells, being denser than the liquid medium, are forced to the bottom of the tube, forming a tight group or “pellet.”
- After centrifugation, the liquid (supernatant) can be carefully removed, leaving the cell pellet at the bottom of the tube.
The cell pellet can then be resuspended in fresh medium or a specific buffer solution for further experimentation or analysis.
The formation of a cell pellet is a common step in many laboratory procedures, such as DNA, RNA, or protein extraction, cell washing, or changing the conditions cells are in for experiments.
